How can we ensure our spiritual "fire" never goes out, as instructed here? The Original Command: A Perpetual Flame “ ‘The fire shall be kept burning on the altar continually; it must not be extinguished.’ ” (Leviticus 6:13) Why This Ancient Picture Still Speaks – God Himself lit the altar fire (Leviticus 9:24); the priests’ job was simply to keep it fueled. – Today the Holy Spirit ignites new life in us (John 3:5-8). Our role is to tend what God has started, never allowing it to fade (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Practical Ways to Keep the Flame Alive • Add Fresh Wood Daily: Saturate Your Mind with God’s Word – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) – Schedule unhurried reading, study, and memorization. A fire starves without fuel; a believer cools without Scripture. • Stir the Coals: Prayer and Worship – “Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” (Ephesians 6:18) – Speak and sing praise (Psalm 96:1-4). Worship fans embers into flame, keeping affection for Christ warm. • Remove Ash Buildup: Ongoing Repentance and Obedience – Priests shoveled ashes away each morning (Leviticus 6:10-11). Similarly: • Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). • Yield to every prompting of Scripture (James 1:22). – Ashes left unchecked smother fire; unconfessed sin smothers zeal. • Guard the Fire from Dampers: Reject Compromise – “Do not be conformed to this world.” (Romans 12:2) – Avoid influences that douse passion—immorality, cynicism, unbelief (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Share the Flames: Fellowship and Service – “Let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds, not forsaking meeting together.” (Hebrews 10:24-25) – Serving others keeps devotion active (Romans 12:11, 13). Isolation allows coals to cool; community keeps them glowing. • Fan the Gift: Intentional Reminders – “Fan into flame the gift of God that is in you.” (2 Timothy 1:6) – Revisit testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Celebrate answered prayer. Remember your calling. Gratitude adds kindling. The Ongoing Vigil Keep watch like the altar priests: evaluate your flame’s brightness, add fresh fuel, clear away hindrances, and stay close to the One who first set your heart ablaze. “The fire shall be kept burning… it must not be extinguished.” |
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